Fate/Geass: The Eden Vital War
Disclaimer: In this particular universe, I do not own or in any way shape or form hold a claim to the Code Geass, Fate/Stay Night or any other modern works that I may reference in this story.
Long ago, there was a war between Code-bearers and their Geass gifted armies over the power of Eden Vital, a war that destroyed the legendary continent of Atlantis and sent mankind back to the Stone Age. To prevent this, direct confrontations between Code-bearers are now forbidden, with disagreements to be resolved in a ritualized war of champions. But when V.V does the unthinkable and violates this tradition, he will soon learn that he is not the only one able to bend the rules for victory.
" " denotes speech
'italics'denotes thought
'bold' denotes location names
'bold italics' denotes skill use
Black Knights Submarine, Coastal Waters of Area 11
With the new Knightmare Gawain safely in the hands of Rakshata Chawla, the leader of the Black Knights' research team (as much as any machine was safe in her hands), and the cooperation of the Governor General of Area 11 assured, the immortal witch C.C. was well pleased.
'The remaining resistance groups in Area 11 have joined the Black Knights—Ohgi has been busy coordinating them. As well, four Servants have fallen in the Eden Vital War, though the ones remaining will likely be the most difficult, as Saber and Caster traditionally have had rather powerful abilities,' Zero mused silently, as she walked with Avenger through the corridors of the Black Knights' Submarine towards the conference room, where the ranking officers waited. 'Unfortunately, each of those Servants is part of a different country, and I do not relish the thought of a two front war—we will need to find a way to neutralize the Chinese Federation in preparation for our assault upon Britannia.'
While taking care of the force that had invaded Kyushu would be a rather simple exercise, thanks to the four advanced Knightmare Frames available for use-the Shen Hu, the Lancelot, and the Gawain, which Rakshata and her team were busy optimizing, as well as Cecile Croomy's Lancelot Club-Zero knew that that would not be the end of the Chinese Federation's involvement.
True, the High Eunuchs were currently using Sawasaki's "government in exile" as a smokescreen to disguise their intentions, but it was clear enough to the immortal that what they wanted was territory and power—especially as they had attacked only in the wake of the unrest caused by Zero and the Black Knights.
'The man is nothing more than a puppet, as Kyoto and Britannia well know…and I would not be surprised if Britannia had a plan in mind to counter this act of aggression, besides simply crushing them militarily,' Zero thought to herself, glancing momentarily at her Servant. 'Prime Minister Schneizel el Britannia is certainly enough of a schemer for something like that, and deft enough diplomatically to accept this fait accompli, while twisting it for his own ends.'
"So Avenger, which do you think Britannia considers the bigger threat?" Zero asked of her Servant, knowing the wraith of vengeance's sharp mind. "The Order of Black Knights or the Chinese Federation?"
"On paper, it would be the Chinese Federation, as that alliance does hold one-third of the world's population," replied the man wrapped in of shadow and flame. "However, like Britannia, the rulers of that nation are corrupt, oppressive and despotic, crushing the weak under their collective heels."
"So…that would make us public enemy number one, eh?" asked a masked Milly Ashford, who was walking to Zero's other side, wearing a typical Black Knight uniform. "Since you've humbled more than one of their armies, and can't be bought off."
"Indeed…once he regenerates, V.V. will no doubt see things that way, since I am the greatest threat to his continued existence," the immortal acknowledged, grimacing under her mask. "Which makes it all the more likely that Britannia will pursue a deal of some kind with the Chinese Federation, no matter which way this particular battle goes."
"So then our next step before declaring independence," Avenger surmised, glancing at his comrades, "will have to be neutralizing the Chinese Federation as a threat, since a two front war would be…inadvisable."
"Britannia no doubt thinks the same way, now that they are embroiled in another war with the Euro Universe," Milly added, recalling the information she had gathered from the various news outlets she was in charge of interacting with. "You certainly like to get yourself mixed up in risky situations, Avenger."
Hiss!
As the trio approached the lift at the end of the corridor, the door slid open, revealing a young raven-haired girl of no more than 14, dressed in finery that marked her as a member of the Six Houses of Kyoto.
"Ah, you are Sumeragi's…" Zero began, only for the overly-enthusiastic Kaguya to walk up to Avenger, looking the sub-commander of the Black Knights up and down as if finding something tasty.
"Thank goodness I made it in time, before you all headed off to battle!" gushed Kaguya Sumeragi, the young head-mistress of Kyoto. "I've been a huge fan of you and Zero ever since your debut! I was hoping that I'd finally get to talk to you…"
'Great. Another fangirl. As if the ones at Ashford and all over the internet weren't enough…'
Underneath his mask, Lelouch fought the urge to wince, reminding himself that while this might be a fangirl, she was also a fangirl that actually mattered in and that it was important to stay on good terms with, given her role within the organization responsible for giving the Black Knights so much of their equipment.
"Lady Kaguya Sumeragi, it is a pleasure to finally meet you," Avenger spoke formally, inclining his head.
Formality, however, didn't seem to be in Kaguya's plans, as she used her hands to compare her height with Avenger, in an overly animated manner.
"Wow, you're really tall, aren't you?" the young head of Kyoto babbled, beaming at the Servant, quite quite enthused. "Don't worry though, I'll catch up with you pretty soon!"
"Were the heads of the Six Houses not to remain in Fuji?" Zero asked gently, arching an eyebrow under her mirrored mask.
"I stowed away on the submarine, so I could watch my future husband fight," the young princess returned coquettishly, winking at Avenger, with Milly wanting to laugh and groan at the same time, and Zero reflecting that at least this time Lelouch's ability to attract fangirls had actually led to material and political gain.
'If all of Avenger's fangirls were this helpful, this war would already be over…' the immortal mused quietly, rather amused by the sight. For it was already more or less a proven fact that no matter what guise Lelouch vi Britannia appeared in, masked or unmasked, male or female, apathetic quiet Vice President or hammy revolutionary, the man could attract fangirls like none other.
"Don't joke around," Avenger chided gently.
"Well, once you free Japan, you'll eventually need a wife, won't you?" the young girl pressed, unperturbed. "I mean, I know your identity—like Zero's—is a secret, but you'll need someone to act as your public face, right?"
"And you think we will succeed where all others have failed?" Lelouch asked, curious as to what the girl would say, what reasoning she would give.
"Of course, I am the goddess of the victory after all!" Kaguya chirped, with Avenger blinking several times while he processed those words.
"Under normal circumstances I'd be lucky to have you," Avenger returned easily. "Unfortunately, as you may have heard, I'm something of a demon, so I have little room in my life for deities right now."
Kaguya pouted, but said nothing more, opting only to follow the trio as they made their way to the conference room, where they were greeted with expectant looks from the other members of the Black Knights.
"So what's the plan, Zero?" asked Internal Cleaning Supporter Tamaki, with the hot-blooded man eager to go into battle as always.
"Our negotiations with the Governor General have been successful, meaning that soon, our dream of a truly independent Japan will be realized," the masked immortal declared, in a voice that carried out to the corners of the room. "However, we first need to eliminate the invaders from the Chinese Federation, led by their puppet Sawasaki."
"But he says he's fighting for Japan," one of the Four Holy Swords brought up.
"He's not independent," Zero replied, her masked gaze swiveling to pierce the questioner. "The Japan he fights for is but a sham, granting us a new name but nothing else. In reality, the High Eunuchs of the Chinese Federation would bleed this new 'Japan' dry, just as Britannia has done these last nine years, replacing one set of oppressors with another."
"In other words," another one of the Four Holy Swords clarified, "when Britannia strikes back, we play dead?"
"No," Avenger corrected sharply, his voice echoing in the metal walled room. "The main Britannian strike force is but a diversion for a joint operation of with ours with the Britannian Special Engineering Corps—their conventional forces will distract the enemy and hold them at bay, while our advanced Knightmare Frames take Fukuoka Base and force Sawasaki to surrender."
"Cooperate? With Britannians? But for what?" asked another of the Black Knights.
"For the sake of a free and united Japan," Zero replied firmly, looking from member to member of the Knights. "In reality, it is not so much us cooperating with the Britannians as much as the Governor General cooperating with us—just as he will cooperate with us in raising the specter of rebellion against the Holy Britannian Empire, making all of Area 11 an independent nation."
To say the least, reactions were rather…varied. Some members had been expecting this, given Zero's history of audacious plans. Others were seen with jaws hanging open and eyes bulging out at the immortal's words.
"Independent?" some repeated, "A nation?" others. Some were incredulous and even a little frightened at the prospect of facing down the entirety of Britannia. Being part of a group that fought for justice and dealt with a regional army was one thing, but against a world power…
"Wait a minute," spoke Tamaki, Zero's words having thrown some cold water on his hot blood. "No matter how the Black Knights have expanded—"
"Our enemy is an empire that controls one third of the world," finished Kyoshiro Tohdoh of the Four Holy Swords.
"Even with the backing of these regional forces…"
"Valid points one and all," the immortal acknowledged, gesturing dramatically for silence with her upraised hands. "But answer this…are you just going to sit back and wait for someone else to defeat Britannia?"
A moment of deafening silence as her gaze swept out, touching each of her subordinates in turn, finding that none would answer her.
"Who?" C.C. pressed, continuing her little speech. "Do you think if you wait long enough, someday the right chance will finally come? Don't be naive."
Her voice was dark, haunted from long years of experience on the battlefield, as the green-haired witch had seen many nations succumb to the yoke of tyranny, and many passing up opportunities for freedom out of fear or uncertainty.
"If not us, then who?" she challenged, daring any in the room to oppose her. "If not now, then when? We are the ones who have shown the world that not even Britannia is invincible, that their Chief General was as vulnerable on the battlefield as any other bully who preys on the weak. We are the ones who have shown the world that miracles are possible—so if we do not stand up and take up our swords against Britannia, will the dream of freedom ever be realized?"
"Each of you standing here today made a choice to join the Black Knights," Avenger added into the silence. "Each of you made a choice to join with Zero and myself, the mortal enemies of Britannia, against our common foe—as have the Governor General of Area 11 and those serving him. With this opportunity before us to strike a mortal blow to our oppressors and show the world the futility of their actions, will you not seize it? Will you not fight for the miracle that is rightfully ours?"
Government Bureau, Tokyo Settlement
In the wake of Kallen's departure to rejoin her comrades, as well as the Governor General's absence (with the man currently on board the Avalon coordinating the fleet), Sub-Viceroy Euphemia li Britannia was sitting alone at her desk, thinking about the events that had transpired over the past few days, as well as Zero's open offer.
'So Kallen is a Black Knight after all, and one of Zero's most trusted subordinates,' the princess thought to herself, noting that her dear friend—or was she something more?—was one of those that could be considered an enemy of Britannia. But then, was Britannia really in the right? And if it wasn't, what could she do about it? 'Compared to Cornelia or Schneizel, I've always been just a burden to those around me, without power—until I came here to Area 11, where Earl Asplund gave me much of the responsibilities of a full Viceroy, even though I was just a figurehead. And now I have the opportunity to do something to help Lelouch and Nunnally…'
If her suspicions that Avenger really was Lelouch were correct, then was her path not clear? According to Zero, the Emperor himself had condoned the murder of Marianne by the mysterious V.V.—and after being confronted with the evidence of Zero's conversation with the pilot of the Knight Giga Fortress, Euphie could certainly believe that there was some truth to those rumors, with the existence of the orange aerial assault craft only lending weight to the revolutionary's argument, as one did not get the funding or technology to create such a powerful assault craft from nowhere.
'If it was in Area 11, then Clovis was certainly involved, since the Viceroy has almost absolute power in a given area,' the pink haired princess mused silently, her lips twisting into a frown as she studied some of the files that Lloyd had so…kindly…left for her to peruse, files containing rather technical descriptions of how a test subject had been tortured repeatedly, unable to die. 'So that is the truth of Code-R, also called Project C.C…'
It surprised her to learn that Clovis had been intimately involved with this project, since Euphie had always thought of Clovis as a rather gentle man, despite his ambitions—and more so, just how much Clovis had done against the Eleven population. She didn't want to believe it, yet the evidence was there, staring her in the face.
'And in a confrontation between what one wants to believe and evidence, one goes with the evidence…'
For example, the evidence of her senses and memory (as well as Kallen's words) that Lelouch might very well be alive. And if that were indeed the case, and Lelouch was also Avenger, then she had no reason left to remain on the side of Britannia, the country that had betrayed everyone she cared about.
'I can't just sit and watch as everyone around me fights,' the Sub-Viceroy resolved, determination blazing in her eyes. 'This time, I won't be a burden…I will take matters into my own two hands. I…will join Zero in her crusade against Britannia.'
Aerial Battleship Avalon
On board the Avalon, the flagship of the Area 11 Fleet, Governor General Lloyd Asplund seemed unexpectedly—calm. Given the fierce storm around Kyushu that was preventing him from deploying the Lancelot Club, the many losses his naval fleet had taken, and the fact that he was a rather inexperienced commander, one would expect the man to be showing more signs of stress, but there were none. The storm would abate in time, his conventional units were but a diversion to keep the Chinese Federation from realizing his true intentions, and the true operation had already been planned out by Zero, who had proven herself more than competent in the past.
'Good…the Chinese Federation forces believe the landing parties to be the real strike…the Four Knights of Chaos… '
From his command station, the Earl of Pudding received an incoming transmission from the hanger deck, accepting it to see Cecile Croomy sitting within the cockpit of the Lancelot Club, already dressed in her figure hugging orange pilot suit.
"Ah, Cecile, are you prepared for what's to come?" the Earl of Pudding asked, receiving a quiet nod from his former assistant.
"I will do whatever the mission demands," the Director of Camelot replied, her entire posture radiating a sense of focused readiness. "Or in this case, what our allies require of me."
"Good…it seems the weather is clearing up," the Governor General mused aloud. "We have to finish this up if we to put our future plan into action."
"Right," Cecile acknowledged, looking around the bridge of the airship towards the meteorological sensors. "I assume our operation plan remains unchanged?"
"Incoming missiles, launch point appears to be Fukuoka Base!" one of the airship's operators shouted in a panicked voice, though Lloyd remained calm. "One minute, five seconds to impact!"
"Not bad," the Earl commented, giving no order to evade or deploy point defense, much to the incredulity of his subordinates. "They're well prepared against air raids as well."
Rumble! Boom!
Such was the sound of numerous missiles impacting against the Blaze Luminous shielding of the Avalon, detonating with enough force to wipe out a squadron of aircraft—and leaving the Avalon unscathed, with some of the operators apparently surprised to be alive and in one piece.
"Heh, the Blaze Luminous is already proven on the battlefield," the Governor General commented in his disturbingly serene manner. "Cecile, the current operation plan remains unchanged. The Avalon will breech the enemy's front line from high altitude and move directly to the launch point. The Z-01b Lancelot Club, using the Float Unit, will attack the enemy at Fukuoka Base."
What he left unsaid (but both of them knew) was that the launch would be the signal for the Black Knights to begin their own assault.
"Roger," came the voice of the calm and collected Cecile. "Lancelot Club Z-01b now launching!"
And with that, the White Knightmare hurtled off the Avalon's launch catapult into the air, its Float System coming online as it sped for its target.
Whirr! Slash! BOOM!
Enemy helicopters and other aircraft dared to get in her way, launching a barrage of missiles at the Lancelot Club, blocked some, dodged others, and countered with a storm of blades, slash harkens, particle blasts, leaving a trail of explosions in her wake.
Whirr! Whoosh!
Moving more quickly than one might expect, it tore through enemy formations with ease, its Float System allowing it perfect mobility, without having to worry about the pull of gravity.
Crunch!
The sound of Slash Harkens ripping apart several fragile assault helicopters.
Fssh—boom!
The sound of a MVS sword shearing through one of the many Gun-Ru gathered to welcome her on the ground, the first Knight of the apocalypse for the hapless forces gathered at Fukuoka Base.
Black Knights Submarine, Off the Coast of Kyushu
"Zero, this is the control room," reported one of the Black Knights, monitoring the situation by radar, rather wary since the submarine was surfaced and as such only had its Gefjun Disturbers to prevent it from being detected. "The Avalon has launched their advanced Knightmare Frame."
Indeed, there was little enough else that the quick moving blip on the radar screen could be, given the launch point and heading.
'So…the Earl of Pudding has lived up to his side of the agreement,' the masked immortal thought to herself, rather pleased that things were working out the way they were. 'Time for us to play our part then.'
"Avenger, Rider, this is Zero," C.C. spoke into her radio. "We have confirmation of launch. Begin Operation Shitennou. The Gawain will serve as Lancelot's backup for the assault against the base—I will deal with the landing craft and other ships, holding off Saber, if necessary."
"Roger," came the reply, as the Black Knights' advanced Knightmares powered up and took off from the deck, with the Shen Hu and the Gawain soaring high into the sky, and the Lancelot veering off to link up with the Lancelot Club, almost skimming the surface of the water to avoid detection by enemy radar.
'The Shen Hu and Gawain both have stealth systems, thanks to the Gefjun Disturber—and are armed with powerful particle beam weapons, so they are the logical choices to intervene once the Lancelot and the Lancelot Club have attracted attention.'
In the cockpit of the Lancelot, Kallen was feeling a sense of fierce exultation as her new Knightmare swooped through the air—many many times this frame had been used against her, and now…now, it was finally hers.
'At last, I too, can fly…we will win this battle, thanks to Avenger and Zero, and then Japan will be free!'
In the Gawain, Milly was doing most of the piloting as the oversized KMF followed the Lancelot at a distance, while Lelouch was studying how the battle was going via the display of the druid system, searching for a strong point in enemy forces to assault, hadron cannons at the ready.
'Excellent…so the assault begins.'
In the distance, a massive beam of energy lanced forth from the Shen Hu's Baryon Cannon, sweeping across the seas and annihilating what remained of the Chinese Federation's ships in one massive blow, the pyramid-shaped landing craft exploding one by one in a beautiful orgy of destruction.
'If I can simply capture Saber, most likely the pilot of the blue knightmare, then there is a good chance I can negotiate with the Chinese Federation. Failing that, as Sabers tend to be rather good by nature, I may be able to use him or her as a weapon against the Eunuchs...and of course, what better way to repair the Guren than to use the Gekka's surger?'
A/N: So it begins indeed. Expect a nice battle to come in the next chapter, as the "Four Knightmares of the Apocalypse" descend upon the gathered Chinese Federation forces, and Zero continues to scheme. Thanks for reading, and reviews are always appreciated!